Fargo Thrilling Showdown: NDSU Pulls Off Epic Comeback Against ETSU
Fargo, ND – In what can only be described as a gripping clash of football titans, the North Dakota State University Bison faced off against the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers on Saturday afternoon. With just 33 seconds left on the clock, the Bison orchestrated a remarkable comeback, sealing a nail-biting victory with a final score of 38-35.
A Strong Start for the Bison
The game kicked off with a bang as Bryce Lance started the scoring for NDSU with his first career rushing touchdown, sprinting 18 yards into the end zone to put the Bison on the board first. The crowd erupted with hope as the scoreboard lit up 7-0 in favor of the home team.
But the Buccaneers weren’t going to take that lying down. They responded quickly with a brisk drive that covered 75 yards in just 10 plays. Bryson Irby capped off their effort with a three-yard rushing touchdown, evening the score at 7-7, and forcing the Bison to gear up for a tough matchup.
Back and Forth Action
As the first quarter progressed, both teams showcased their offensive prowess. NDSU’s Cam Miller, demonstrating his versatility, led another impressive drive that resulted in a five-yard touchdown pass to Joe Stoffel. This marked Stoffel’s first touchdown of the season, putting the Bison ahead 14-7.
However, the Buccaneers were relentless. With 44 yards on a return from Jackson Williams, NDSU set up a solid opportunity, but was forced to settle for a 54-yard field goal from Eli Ozick, making history as the second longest in school history, bringing the score to 17-14.
ETSU wasn’t going to be outdone. In a spectacular play, Irby dashed 61 yards for a touchdown, putting ETSU ahead 21-17. With both teams trading punches and defenses making crucial stops, excitement crackled in the air as they headed into halftime with ETSU ahead by four.
Second Half Surprises
As the second half commenced, the Buccaneers extended their lead with a methodical 14-play drive that concluded with Irby’s third rushing touchdown of the day, this time from 10 yards out, stretching the score to 28-17.
NDSU fought back hard. Cam Miller capped off their next drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown and brought the Bison within five points at 28-23. With both teams struggling to maintain momentum, the Bison defense rose to the occasion, forcing a three-and-out to start the final quarter on a high note.
Clutch Play and a Last-Minute Thrill
As the game wound down, NDSU needed a rally, and it didn’t come easy. Relying on their unwavering spirit, the Bison managed to connect for a critical fourth-down conversion to John Gores for 38 yards. Shortly after, TK Marshall rushed it in from three yards out, making it a tight game at 35-30.
With less than two minutes left, NDSU lined up for an onside kick — in what turned out to be a historic moment, Terrance Lee accidentally helped recover the ball; it was the Bison’s first onside kick recovery in nearly 20 years, and the crowd went wild!
What followed was pure excitement. From the Bison’s own 42-yard line, Miller guided the team down the field. With some good fortune on a pass interference call, NDSU advanced to the ETSU 17-yard line. Adding the final touches, Miller rushed for an 11-yard touchdown and Bryce Lance caught a two-point conversion pass, putting the Bison ahead 38-35.
The Final Moments
In a desperate attempt to reclaim the lead, the Buccaneers tried to move down the field but were thwarted by the Bison defense. In a fitting end, an interception by Logan Kopp sealed the deal for NDSU.
A Look Ahead
With this thrilling victory, NDSU heads back home to the Fargodome for Homecoming weekend, set to face Towson on September 21st at 1 PM. As the fans gear up for another exciting matchup, one thing is for sure: the Bison are ready to keep the momentum rolling!
